Officer Says McDonald's Drive-Thru Employee Refused To Serve Him

By: Mackenzie Wright | February 13, 2018

Tensions between law enforcement officers and people of color are still causing friction. In Florida, one cop went to McDonald's to get some lunch. He claims when he pulled up to the window in full uniform, the server looked 'disgusted' and walked away.

The officer says he's disappointed and will never eat at McDonald's again.

Lt. Tim Lancaster of the Palm Bay Police Department gave an account of his experience on his personal Facebook page. He says he stopped at a McDonald's in Palm Bay for lunch while wearing his uniform, but in an unmarked car.

The officer says he placed his order and paid for his food at the first window without incident. he then pulled up to the second window to collect his lunch, but was unprepared for the server's reaction.

"When I got to the window, the clerk looked at me with my drink in hand and stopped," he wrote. "She handed my drink to another clerk and walked away in disgust."

"I asked the other clerk what was wrong, she stayed that the other clerk refuses to serve cops," the officer continued. "I was embarrassed and upset. After a while, I called the store and spoke to Omar, he identified himself as the general manager, and said he would address it."

The Facebook page of the 4705 Babcock St. NE, Palm Bay, Florida restaurant has been filling up with comments from angry customers.

"This place is horrid. I know a police officer that one of your employees refused to serve. What is going to be done about it ? If you don’t respond I will take this to the top. You should be embarrassed. What’s wrong with you all ? Someone who risks their lives for us. This is just sad," wrote one commenter.

"Read just now where some girl who works there at your store refused to serve a police officer; who paid and was picking up at the Drive-Thru window. I want to read, within the next 8 hours, about an apology to that officer, free food for him and his family for a week and that this worker has been fired. Or else McDonald's will lose another longtime customer forever," said another commenter.

"Unbelievable that you support your employees not serving our Police Officers! They put their lives on the line every day to protect you and you allow your employees to disrespect them! You pay them and allow them to do that while on the clock! I’m disgusted with you!" yet another angry comment read.

"When you fire the employee, who misrepresented your company and make it up to the officer, I will edit this rating. Until then, this place sucks," said someone who gave the restaurant a one star rating.

Thus far, the restaurant has not commented on their Facebook page.

A corporate spokesperson for the chain said that the company promotes 'respect for all first responders'.

The behavior described in this Facebook post is unacceptable and not tolerated in our restaurant,” said the spokesperson.

Similar incidents have happened, and employees have been fired over their refusal to treat law enforcement agents with respect.